Create your own 'Top 10' list

If you are reading this, you have been given an incredible gift (and no, I'm not referring to this column!). You've lived another year. An entire year. You've experienced moments filled with laughs and tears, shouts and hugs. It may have been a difficult year financially or personally, but no matter what, it's been a year you have survived. Whatever challenges you faced, you persevered.

The last few weeks of the year can bring great joy and relaxation -- time with friends and loved ones. But this can also be a time of anxiety when you are scurrying from one party to another and from one mall to another. I love this time because it allows me to think back over what I've accomplished, experienced and contributed.

This is also the time of year when you see the ubiquitous "Best of 2011" lists for nearly everything -- books, movies, things to do, songs, cars, iPad apps, YouTube videos, fashion moments, Tweets and more. Everyone has a "Top 10 in 2011" list ... everyone that is, except you. I say skip the other lists and instead take some time to reflect on the only list that really matters -- your best of 2011.

Choose a couple of the list ideas below and have some fun:

Most proud? What are you most proud of in 2011? It's been a rough year for many, maybe even for you, but, if you think back, I'm sure you can find at least 10 shining moments.

Things learned? What did you learn this year? Did you have any breakthroughs?

Mistakes made, lessons learned. While my list would certainly exceed just 10, you might focus on the big mistakes you made, and, more importantly, what lessons you learned from them.

Regrets (if any)? If you could turn back the clock, what would you change in 2011?

Friendships made? List any new friends you made in 2011 and what you appreciate most about their friendships. Be sure to share your list with them.

Proud you didn't do it? It's not just what we do that matters, it's often what we don't do. What didn't you do in 2011 that you are proud of?

Toughest decisions? Were there decisions in 2011 that you agonized over? What did you learn from them? Why were they so difficult?

Make your top 10 lists, and share them with friends. And if you haven't already, make sure you write yourself a letter of encouragement and goal-setting that can change your life and make 2012 your best year yet.

(Robert Pagliarini is a CBS MoneyWatch columnist and the author of "The Other 8 Hours: Maximize Your Free Time to Create New Wealth & Purpose" and the national best-seller "The Six Day Financial Makeover." Visit YourOther8Hours.com.)